Ashton Jeanty had a historical season in 2024 with Boise State University. The 2024 Maxwell Award winner totaled 2,601 rushing yards in 14 games. Additionally, he was the runner-up for the 2024 Heisman award. Although he was spectacular, the Las Vegas Raiders drafting the playmaker would be rich for the sixth overall pick.
The running back has an incredible ability to break tackles. His balance and tiny size make it tough for defenders to knock him down. He has also shown the ability to be involved in the passing game. His pass-blocking and catching abilities are exceptional.
The Raiders had been searching for a quarterback, but the deal for Geno Smith helped them somewhat address this problem. Clearly another piece may arrive, but maybe not at choice number six. Many mock drafts include Sin City picking Jeanty with their first-round choice. Clearly, he would assist one of the worst running offenses from last season.
History of running backs in the first round…
The running back position deteriorated drastically in recent history. This led to Saquon Barkley, Derek Henry, and Josh Jacobs becoming free agents last offseason. However, 2024 may have changed many of the hearts of general managers. Barkley and Henry emerged as the most productive rushers after signing with new teams.
Barkley was the last running back to be drafted in the top six of the NFL. The New York Giants drafted Barkley second overall in 2018. In his first two seasons, he totaled almost 3,500 scrimmage yards. Unfortunately, as we all now know, wins were hard to come by during that time.
Two running backs, Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson, were selected in the first round of the 2023 draft. These two players still have a lot of untapped potential.
How does Ashton Jeanty compare to Gibbs and Robinson?
Robinson was a formidable presence at the University of Texas. The peaks of the Longhorn were averaging eight yards per carry and 20 touchdowns. However, he was never a top five Heisman candidate.
Gibbs was a completely different prospect as his numbers are not flashy. Because he shared touches, the film is what separated him from the pack. Nonetheless, the film did not lie on the University of Alabama alum.
Standing at 5-foot-8-inches, Jeanty is smaller than both prospects. Simultaneously, he is also more decorated than any running back since Barkley. The one flaw against the Boise State alum is his lack of competition in college. The Mountain West Conference does not compare to the Southeastern Conference. This is one of the main factors in Jeanty’s not winning the Heisman.
The Raiders need to be careful here…
There are only a few running backs worthy of first-round draft picks. Cam Skattebo, Dylan Sampson, and Quinshon Judkins all can be picked in later rounds. Day 2 of the draft should be the perfect time to address the running back position.
Trading down is the best option for the Raiders’ future. There is an abundance of quality players and also many holes to fill on the roster. Players such as Tetairoa McMillan and Will Johnson are falling down on mock drafts. Jeanty would not be a terrible pick, but sixth overall should drastically change a roster. Many of the later-round playmakers could have similar effects on the roster.
What say you, Raiders fans?
*Top Photo: Getty Images